Summary
For an extended period, I passed through Lille by train without contemplating a visit. Numerous other destinations on the Eurostar captured my interest, relegating Lille to a less noteworthy status compared to more popular cities such as Paris.
While en route to London from Amsterdam last year, we paused to transfer trains in Lille. It was during this brief stop that I realized I had never considered visiting the city. A quick online search subsequently sparked my interest, compelling me to explore Lille.
The most convenient method of reaching Lille is via Eurostar, which takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes. I decided to use Airbnb for accommodations to experience local living, especially since I had accumulated Airbnb vouchers.
Lille is a remarkably compact city, allowing for straightforward navigation to our apartment upon arrival.
For some inexplicable reason, I opted to carry a wheeled suitcase rather than my backpack. However, given Lille’s historic cobbled streets, opting for a wheeled case proved impractical as I frequently had to lift it during our walk. This is a crucial consideration for visitors.
The apartment in Lille was compact but impeccably suited to our needs.
This residence emanates quintessential French charm, situated within a historic building. Coming from London, where space is often constrained, I have adjusted to optimizing smaller living areas.
Subsequently, I ventured out to explore what Lille had in store for us. Following a quick change of attire, I prepared to head out.
My first impressions of Lille were precisely what I had anticipated — splendid architecture, with charming patisseries and boulangeries at every corner.
During our exploration, I noted the architectural wonder surrounding us.
As a result, we engaged in a leisurely exploration of Lille’s historic streets, unburdened by rigid plans. I must confess that while I generally prefer thorough research prior to visiting a location, taking a spontaneous approach can lead to delightful discoveries.
Upon reflecting on my activities, I recognized that my only nourishment had been breakfast on the Eurostar. This realization made me acutely aware of lunchtime in Lille, which typically sees closures between 2:00 and 2:30 PM, resuming service around 7 PM.
This induced a sense of urgency, prompting me to seek alternatives, including supermarkets for snacks to prepare lunch in the apartment.
However, my concerns were alleviated when we discovered a bar serving crepes, resulting in a delightful lunch comprised of dessert and wine, my favorite pairing.
After satisfying our cravings, we continued our spontaneous exploration across Lille’s cobbled streets, relishing the opportunity to wander freely.
As we continued, the highlight of our adventure was the collection of stunning buildings we encountered, reinforcing the architectural beauty of Lille.
The main square of Lille is a must-visit attraction. It holds similarities to various central squares in cities but features remarkable sights that distinguish Lille.
The picturesque nature of Lille is accentuated by its consistent collection of extraordinary buildings observed during our amble.
We capped our day with an exploration of the Vieille Bourse market, which operates on designated days and offers delightful local products.
However, we missed the market’s peak hours, leading to a quieter experience.
